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Economic Development

The Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (WOWC) has long appreciated the contributions that economic development makes to the sustainability of the region and its constituent municipalities. With that objective in mind, it has worked to garner substantial levels of funding and support that has helped to build a stronger local and regional economy.

The WOWC is now championing a regional Economic Development Strategic Plan for Western Ontario. This work is the result of extensive stakeholder consultation and dialogue, with businesses and representatives of key economic development stakeholders.

The Project

Identify opportunities to advance the economy of Southwestern Ontario that also leverages the ongoing efforts of WOWC

Improve the underlying conditions for economic development throughout the region

Generate a series of actions at the regional level that enables the creation of jobs, wealth and investment across the region

Value in Regional Approach

The resources and influence brought to bear on key economic development issues are significantly enhanced

Objective 1: To strengthen the access and quality of labour market intelligence to address the needs of businesses and create opportunities to bring together businesses, economic developers and educators to strengthen the alignment between business needs and education programming.

Objective 2: To assemble intelligence that will inform municipal business retention and succession planning activities. Included in this objective is the need to advocate for improved programming support.

Objective 3: To improve the region’s access to skilled and talented labour pool that is poised and positioned to respond to changing economic conditions.

Objective 1: To advocate and provide for the building of regional transportation infrastructure that improves Southwestern Ontario’s access to major markets and improves the mobility of its workforce through intercommunity travel.

Objective 2: To continue building on SWIFT’s Future State Network as Southwestern Ontario’s ubiquitous service for broadband access.

Objective 3: To recognize the limitations of the assessment base through informed policy and financial strategies.